Second Hand Meet Cute pt. 4
Summary: Months after leaving England and recovered from the things that happened there, you enjoy your vacations in Eastern Europe and end up meeting someone from your past unexpectedly.
Warnings: Language / minor (barely there) suggestiveness / alcohol consumption
Word count: 6k+
A/N: I’m really grateful for all of the feedback I got, not only for this story, but for the others as well. I’m so grateful, I can’t even put it in words. I specially want to thank @shellbilee for being there to hear my nonsense and to stop me from deleting this story so many times. You, madam, are incredible. I also want to thank some very special followers, who have always shown so much love and support, via comments, reblogs and dms. I won’t tag anyone, cause I’d forget someone and that would drive me mad. I love you all! And to all of you who liked, reblogged, and/or commented, who followed and just checked in every once in a while, or who followed for Henry’s pics but never interacted, my deepest gratitude.
Happy birthday @the-freak-cassie-131! You’re the reason for this whole fic, I’m super grateful for your idea, and I wish you plenty more years of happiness, health and success! 💜
🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔
"Why can't we get in?" you asked, frustrated.
"Because they're shooting some movie in there. Fucking Hollywood. Couldn't they stay in America?" Zara said, her tone letting you know that it was a good thing that they'd only be spending the weekend with you.
"We can come back some other time, besides, just like we had planned at first, we could do this for the whole summer when the children are a bit bigger." Nubia surmised.
She was always looking on the bright side. Opening a smile, you put your arms around the shoulders she was trying to protect against the harsh winds with a thin cashmere shawl, and give her a tight hug.
"Have I mentioned how thankful I am for you lot? And for the fact that you'd drop everything to spend some time with me?" You said, and the other two turned their heads toward you while Nubia touched her forehead to yours.
"You did mention it a couple hundred times." Arie said with a smile. "Have we mentioned that you are worth every second?" She said, her face turning serious.
"Okay, we're not here for sobbing like our babies, so, yes, we love each other very much. Can I go back to bitchin'?" Zara complained, drawing laughter from the three of you.
Dismayed by the lost trip but not disheartened due to the company, you made your way down the castle hill and into a pub to enjoy the local food and beverages.
The late September air was starting to lose its heat and brought cold winds from the Julian Alps, so venturing into as many castles and churches as possible was the idea.
The girls had allowed you the time and space to become one with yourself again, but you knew they wouldn’t allow you to spend too long without any communication. They started slowly, emailing you about the little things going on with their children, in their lives. You started opening up more and more, and the emails became phone calls, and the phone calls became video calls.
By late August you let them in on your plans of traveling around Europe. Slovenia had been on your bucket list for years now and, with vacation time to take, you decided you'd cross that one out. You started the trip alone, spending a week in Poland, taking trains to travel around and truly take in the scenery. After that, you took your time exploring Slovakia, moving on to Hungary, then Croatia. Then, after spending a week in Slovenia, you’d be heading into southern Austria and then into Italy, where you’d be flying back home.
The girls arranged their lives so that they could spend the whole day Friday and Saturday, and Sunday afternoon with you, for which you were deeply grateful. If not for their insistence and persistence, your recovery would have been much more slow going, and they never allowed you to stew.
In the little pub, you ate one of the many hearty dishes you had discovered to be new favorites and planned the following day that was meant to be your last with the girls.
Though you hid it well, the sadness at losing their proximity again hurt quite a lot.
***
Work had been grueling ever since it began back in February. Henry was looking forward to when they’d be wrapping the whole thing, just a day away.
Reshoots would be done in Britain, and he couldn’t wait to go back home. What was the point of shooting in amazing locations if he couldn’t see them at all? He had heard of lakes, mountains, and caves, but could visit none of them, because he had no free time at all. He didn’t even have time to do the things he needed, let alone things he wanted to do.
These days were all about managing and prioritizing what had to be done, and what
could be done in measly twenty four hours. He was exhausted and it took a lot just trying not to snap at people. He was grateful for having the best people in his team, who were there on the grind with him, and who were trying just as hard not to let the circumstances take the best of them. But thinking that it was the last night for that to be happening helped him push ahead.
The last bit of work he’d be doing in the country was some function at the Opera House he had agreed to attend on Sunday night, and he was sure he’d end up nodding off during the presentation. In these moments, he hated being famous.
He had barely started chewing his last forkful of dinner, when somebody was already calling him back to set.
Work was fun, despite being taxing, and time flies when you’re having fun. So, he hadn’t even noticed it was night time, having spent the whole day shooting on location, when they called ‘cut’ and it was time for the wrap photos and ‘see you at the party next Saturday’ called out to the several crew members.
On the way to the house he had rented, he stopped at a local food truck that made the best bacon cheeseburgers he had eaten in a while. Getting his fingers dirty with meat juices and trying to avoid Kal’s advances, he drove on for his first long night of sleep in more than six months.
He woke up to Kal’s tongue on his cheek.
“Okay, I’m up! Got it Bear! Thank you.” he groaned, sitting up and stretching his arms.
The numbers displayed on his watch surprised him, not only because Kal had been so patient, but also because it had been years since he last woke up after ten am.
The terrible thing about having a day off after going non-stop for so long was that Henry didn’t really know what to do with himself until five pm, when his team would be arriving to help him get ready for the gala later.
TV was his first choice of distraction, after taking Kal on his needed walk, but he got bored and switched to his favorite author’s latest novel for an hour or so. He couldn’t concentrate like he really wanted, so after a nice bowl of pasta carbonara, he spent a while on his personal social media.
When he had gone through all the notifications on his phone, he decided to get half an hour of cardio done, and playing with Kal in the garden was fun and got the job done. Noticing that the weather was still pleasant, and the sky would probably be starry that night, he remembered his initial thought upon renting the house and its top selling point: lying down on one of the comfortable outdoor lounging chairs on his deck looking up at the stars.
Seven o’clock came too soon, and there he was, in another magnificent structure he wouldn’t have the time or the privacy to see. The Opera House was beautiful, and he truly regretted having to pose for photographers with the mayor and whoever else’s hands he had to shake, instead of admiring it. There were so many people that at a point it felt more like a convention meet and greet than a fundraising.
As entertaining as La Traviata was, he had been good enough to watch the first two acts with real interest but the open boxes on the balcony, where he was sitting, and the not-so-furtive glances people kept stealing at him from time to time kept distracting him from the show. He had a drink during the second intermission and it reminded him how much his body would love to be lounging on those chairs, listening to the opera on Spotify.
He got up, trying to be the least disruptive possible, thanking God most people were too absorbed to notice at that moment, and reaching to the corridor outside the box without a fuss, he sighed deeply. He saw the stern look the usher gave him, and responded with a smile. It was nice not to be recognized sometimes, even if he was met with some hostility.
In the men’s room, where he could still appreciate the music from the speakers above the sinks, he splashed some water on his face. He had to wait for the show to be over to leave with his team, but was really itching to just leave the theater and walk home.
Looking at his tired reflection in the gilded mirror he thought about the way his life was heading. Maybe he should follow Alfredo’s example and the next time he fell for a woman, he’d just say fuck all to the status and other people’s remarks and simply welcome love while it lasted.
And hope she didn’t die of tuberculosis like Violetta.
Laughing at his own crazy thoughts as he exited the restroom, aloof from his surroundings, he was still smiling when someone clashed against his arm.
“Damned shoe.” A feminine voice in a velvety burgundy dress exclaimed, her hair covering the view of her face as she looked at said shoe, that had escaped her foot.
“Allow me to assist.” He said, not really waiting for a reply, and dropping to his knees.
“Thank you, you truly didn’t have to.” she voiced, apologetically.
“It’s no problem at all.” he replied, fastening the clasp. “It was my pleas…”
His words got stuck in his throat as he looked up upon finishing his good deed of the day, and couldn’t believe his eyes.
***
You looked into the steel blue you thought you’d never see again.
“Henry, hi!” you whispered, breathless.
At a loss for words, he slowly, shakenly, got up.
He whispered your name, as if he didn’t believe you were truly there, and examined you from head to toe.
“Oh, good, you remember.” you joked, trying to loosen your own nerves.
That seemed to snap him out of his surprised trance, and bring his eyes back to yours.
“What are you…? How have you…?” he didn’t seem to decide what exactly he wanted to know first, but asked you these with a radiant smile that warmed your heart a little.
“I’m fine, if that’s what you were going to ask, and I’m on vacation. Traveling around Eastern Europe. I needed a change of scenery, a drastic one.” you said, but your smile couldn’t hide the darker tone your voice took at the very end of your sentence.
“Uh, this doesn’t seem like the place for this conversation.” Henry said, serious, and you nodded. His face denoted knowledge of what you talked about, and you frowned, wishing you could question him further, but he was right. “I’ve seen this opera a few times, have you?”
You were confused at the change of direction, but merely answered.
“I saw it once before. Why?”
“Shall we go for a walk?” he asked, extending you the crook of his arm.
“Sure.” you replied, putting your gloved hand on his arm and feeling that warmth spread through your whole body.
After collecting your belongings, you left through the side entrance of the theater, and crossing the street you found yourselves at a park.
“This feels a bit like déjà vu.” you said with a smile.
Neither of you had really said anything that mattered so far, and that made you quite anxious.
“Why do you say that?” he said with his brow furrowed.
“To our right, on that block, there’s a museum with prehistoric, iron age, Roman and Egyptian artifacts, along with a lot of things pertaining to Slovenian heritage. I visited it on Thursday, it was truly nice.” you told him.
“Oh, and you immediately thought of me?” he asked, a mischievous smirk he couldn’t hide, playing on his lips.
“What? No! Well, that’s not…” you spluttered.
“I’m sorry, I’m teasing. Couldn’t help it.” he said, with a grin that brought about your own. “I missed you...r smile.”
Your heart beat a little faster at his slip.
“Last time we met, it felt…” he continued.
“Empty?” you suggested.
You heard him swallow and he squeezed your hand, still on the crook of his arm.
“Clara told me about you.” he said, and silently waited for you to respond.
You had been shocked - and that was an understatement - when she confessed to you, but you didn’t think she would intervene on your behalf after what she did.
“What exactly did she tell you?” you spoke, your voice quite small.
“Everything, I believe.” he declared.
“Oh.” you both remained silent for a few paces, and you stared at your feet as you walked. “Well, it was unexpected and painful seeing him that day.” you stated, quietly.
He kept silent, his hand still on top of yours, lending much needed warmth. No doubt he remembered that awful day as clearly as you.
Every time you thought of Matt, was a time too many. You had a faint sliver of hope that one day, that memory would be just a memory, and it wouldn’t bring the shivers, dry mouth, cold hands and sweats involuntarily with it.
“Things are… better. Now.” you continued. “I’m healing, thanks to my other friends. They actually came and spent some time with me here. They left this afternoon.” your sadness at their departure couldn’t be hidden, and Henry stopped, causing you to stop too and turn to fully face him.
“And now we meet, once again.” he said quietly, his eyes boring into yours.
In the little light that reached the spot where you were, they were cobalt blue.
“I can’t help but think that, maybe, it is a sign? You know? That we could, perhaps, try again?” he asked, gently squeezing both your hands, and the uncertainty in his tone conveyed the care that he didn’t openly express.
You were grateful.
It wasn’t a demand. Not like it had been with Matt. It was actually a choice, and a choice that he apparently really wanted you to make.
“We could start by having a decent second date. What do you think?” he quickly added with that dazzling smile of his, as your eyes widened slightly in apprehension.
You let out the breath you didn’t realize you were holding, and smiled back.
“I’d love that.” you replied.
***
You two walked back to the theater discussing the details of your proper date. After helping you into a cab, Henry went back into the theater as the presentation ended and people started to leave.
He was undeniably elated and couldn’t sleep when he got home. He decided to go for a run with a reluctant Kal in the woods nearby his house, taking a hot shower after that.
He got into bed repeating to himself that he had to sleep and be well rested to meet you that following morning, trying to relax by counting eight seconds to breathe in and eight seconds to breathe out, but soon got lost in thoughts of how beautiful you looked in that dress. The white gloves contrasted well with the burgundy, and the dress was just right to highlight how beautiful you were. Your hair was shining again, there was only a hint of tiredness under your eyes, and your cheeks looked healthy.
More than anything, the light had returned to your eyes, the eyes that had brought him to his knees, incapable of seeing any other woman.
When Kal licked his face and he startled awake, noticing how high the sun was in the sky again, your lips were the last memory of the dream he was having and what he fiercely held on to as he made his way to the bathroom and took another shower.
His bodyguard and driver waited in the SUV, while he went all the way to the door of your airbnb to meet you.
“Good morning, sweetheart.” he said with a huge smile.
“What’s gotten you so chirpy this early?” you asked, faking a frown.
“It’s almost ten thirty. Will you please accompany me to the car? We have a long road ahead of us.” he replied, still smiling like the Cheshire cat.
“Oh, do we? I thought we’d be having brunch.” you questioned, squinting at him suspiciously.
“Haven’t you had breakfast?” he asked, his tone concerned, though a smirk was playing around the corners of his smile.
“I had an apple.” you answered earnestly, not as amused.
“I brought croissants. Freshly made. Does it help?” he asked, putting on an innocent look that melted even his mother’s meanest mood.
“You’re so…” you started, shaking your head.
“Tall? Funny?” he offered, coming closer to you and putting both hands on your waist. “Incredibly attracted to you?”
He said that looking deep into your eyes and, not waiting for a reply, kissed your forehead. It was a good area to kiss, away from your gaze, because he had the feeling he went too far, and giving you a minute away from his eyes to gather your thoughts was the least he could do.
“More like devilishly handsome and annoying.” you said, leaning your head on his chest.
He wrapped his arms around your waist and hugged you closely as he chuckled, leaning his chin on your head.
He felt like his heart could burst. The fact that you had leaned into his embrace, and returned it, meant a level of acceptance he wasn't sure you were ready to give.
There was nowhere else in the world he’d rather be at that moment, and he felt he could hold you like that forever. Alas, there was a forty-five-minute drive to your destination and he wanted to make the most of the afternoon with you there.
You two talked about anything and everything that hadn’t been covered before during that trip. Henry was happy to see that you had a healthy appetite for buttery baked goods, and that your tastes were more or less in line with his. Not only you two liked similar cuisines, and had come to appreciate the same dishes of the Slovenian cooking, but you liked a lot of the same classic rock bands, shared a taste for some pop artists, but diverged slightly when it came to country music. You disagreed completely about rap and hip hop, and indie and alternative, but he was surprised to know that musicals were also a guilty pleasure of yours.
The more he got to know about you, the more certainty he had that you were quite special.
“How much longer are you planning on staying in Slovenia?” he asked you when you were almost getting there.
“The plan was to leave today actually, and head to Austria. I’d be spending the next two days exploring the delicious compotes and cheeses they make in those tiny farms along the roads, and slowly make my way to Italy, where I’ll be taking my flight home.” you answered.
"Oh." he replied simply.
He thought he'd have as long as he wanted to be with you and it turned out he was on borrowed time already.
"I can always skip Austria. I've been there. It was a matter of revisiting great places with great food. But Slovenia has been providing me with that too." you said calmly, putting him at ease.
"Tell me about your travels. What have you seen?" he asked, leaning closer in his interest to know more about you.
You two talked about places you had seen and places you would like to see; places left unexplored and places you could have experienced better.
"Oh, is that Bled?" you asked, interrupting something he was saying.
"Yes, it seems to be the highlight of places to see here. I was afraid you had already visited, but apparently…" he said, delighted by your reaction, while you drank in the view of the castle on the cliff from afar and the little island, in the middle of the lake, with the famous pilgrimage church.
"I wanted to come, but I decided to leave it to do with the girls. The girls weren't keen on a forty-five-minute trip, though. They said it would waste too much of the little time we'd have together, and it'd be a hassle." you replied, pensive.
"Great for me, then!" Henry laughed, trying to lighten the mood.
You whipped your head at him with a smile.
Mission accomplished.
***
After a lovely lunch at the castle restaurant, you two explored. You first followed a guide telling you about the history of the castle, since the sixth century, its ever evolving architecture, and the legend of the lake bell. You also toured the winery, trying wines and choosing your favorite, at his request. You filled two bottles, corked it with his help and wax-sealed them.
“One for you, and one for me.” he said, as you exited the area.
You gasped. It hadn’t been cheap.
“I thought… I thought you were buying it for your family or, um, I don’t know…” you babbled.
“This is a memory I’m sharing with you. So, the souvenirs will be just for you and me.” he replied, seriously, his eyebrows raised.
“Souvenirs? Will there be more?” you asked, excitement and apprehension fighting for a prominence in your tone.
“Just one more. It's the one I’m most looking forward to, actually.” he said, with a smile, as his left hand brushed the skin of your forearm and pulse, then into your hand, until his fingers lined with yours for a second, and then entwined.
You let go a ragged breath, very aware of the goosebumps and the fiery trail that his fingers left on the skin of your arm.
It was done so casually, as if he had done that a thousand times before. You stole a glance at him and he was looking at you, his lips softly curled upwards.
What wouldn’t you give to know what he was thinking.
You kept walking for a couple more minutes until you reached the castle forge. The heat and noise of hot iron being hammered on anvil hit you before you actually saw anyone working.
The forged items displayed were so beautiful, you felt like buying them all.
“Uh uh,” Henry said, turning you around by the waist to face him. “They’re all very beautiful, yes, but right now I need you to concentrate. Is there a short quote, or a proverb, a saying or something, that speaks to you?” he asked you with a frown.
“Oh, uh…” you started, but he interrupted you.
“There’s a queue, so you have time to think.” he hurriedly said. “I thought we could give each other words we find beautiful, or motivate us.” he explained.
“Oh, I know the perfect words.” you stated simply after a while, opening a smile and leaving him in a clear state of pure curiosity.
“And you’re not telling me?” he half stated, half asked.
“Nope.” you said with a grin.
“Alright, alright. Keep your secrets. I can wait a few more minutes.” he said and chuckled.
“How can they make it so fast for these people, if everyone gets their own version?” you asked, and it was your turn to frown.
“Actually, these people get to make their coins, but the only thing on them is the symbol of the castle and the date they visited. Ours will be a little more special.” he said and winked at you.
“Special how?” you whispered.
“Well, I asked someone on my team to call ahead. They were quite happy to hear me out. I have a coin making tradition for every production I work on, and we arranged a little something. But don’t tell anyone, okay?” he confided, in a hushed tone.
You nodded.
“So this morning, when I called personally, very early,” he continued, shaking his head, “they were kind enough to allow this little exception, and on such short notice.”
It was your turn then, and you noticed that the doors had been closed and no other visitors were around. The blacksmiths explained all the process to the both of you, and despite being quite hard work and taking quite a while, you managed to make a coin for Henry.
Dark green velvet pouches were provided and you were very happy with the result.
You offered him the coin you had made for him, but he said that the date was not over yet. That he would rain in his curiosity, and that you’d definitely have your gift before he said goodnight to you.
The thought of him saying goodnight to you brought the butterflies back. That morning when he had kissed your forehead, your stomach had flipped in a way you hadn’t felt in a long, long time.
A short car ride led you to the lake where you took the traditional wooden boat to the church. The man on the boat told you you were right to come in October, for the tourists crowded the area until September. Indeed there were very few people who had been brave enough to face the glacial lake and the cold coming from the Alps.
From the distance you could see the long and steep stairs leading up to the church. As you set foot on the steps, Henry insisted you two take a few more photos.
You had lost count of how many he had already taken of the castle, of you against the beautiful view, of you, just because, of the both of you. His eye for photography was amazing and you made him promise to send some of those to you.
After the long walk up the stairs to the church - you both kept stopping every few meters and admiring the view -, you two followed a guide once more, but your attention was elsewhere. You couldn’t help but gape at the beauty inside. The magnificent golden altar, the details all around, the icons, the chandeliers, the organ.
“It’s so beautiful!” you wondered in a whisper.
His hand was again holding yours and you found him looking at you, when your head finally turned to look at him.
“Yes, it’s quite the sight.” he said, and sighed, looking straight into your eyes. “Shall we make a wish?” he asked, looking back to the altar, where a few people had just left in tears.
“What do you mean 'make a wish’?” you asked, frowning in puzzlement.
“Well, didn’t you hear the guide? If we stand on the ruins, there, see?” he pointed to the floor where glass panels allowed you to see the ruins of the previous churches and pagan temples. “You see the rope?” You nodded. “Well, we have to remember the widow who prayed here everyday, remember, the one from the castle, with a dodgy character?” he laughed, and you nodded, smiling.
“So we pull the rope to make a wish? I’m sorry, I wasn't paying attention, there’s just so much to take in!”
“I understand.” he said, with a chuckle. “We have to pull the rope three times. Shall we do it together?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.
“But then, will both our wishes come true?” you asked, quirking one of yours.
“Good question.” he said, and looked down in thought.
“Well, we can always risk it.” his eyes snapped back to yours when you spoke.
You were face to face with the rope in between you, and his smile was radiant. He was having the time of his life.
“Who knows, maybe we end up wishing for the same thing.” you said, quietly, but he heard you.
“Make your wish.” he said.
His eyes never left yours. He put his hands on top of yours where you held the rope.
“Ready.” you said.
“Me too.” he replied.
And you pulled the rope.
It was a good thing that he was there to help you, because it was very heavy to pull. Once you got the hang of it, the second and the third were easier.
The chimes echoed through the church and the few people left in it looked back to the both of you.
You made your way out of the church but before you left, the guide pulled you aside while Henry watched, already almost by the steps.
“In case you need a future reference.” he said with a smile, in a thick accent.
When you looked at the pamphlet in your hands, it showed weddings in the island church, and how to book them.
It was a miracle that Henry did not ask anything about the embarrassment you knew couldn’t have hidden well in the short amount of time it took to reach him. He actually did not say much during the entire trip back to the city. You were tired, and there was just so much to think about.
“We’re here.” he said quietly. Probably trying not to startle you.
“Where’s here exactly?” you asked in the same hushed tone.
The resounding barks answered your question.
You walked the path to his door, hand in hand, and he stopped in front of you before opening it.
“Yeah, that’s Kal. He’ll jump. Do you have a problem with that?” he said with a wince.
“I’ve been tackled by him before. I guess I can take it.” you said with a smile and a wink.
“True. I’ll go first though, then he won’t be as excited when he tries to tackle you again.”
You both chuckled at that and, after waving at the men waiting by the gate, he took all of the bags of souvenirs from your hands, adding to the ones he had in his, and opened the door.
Just as promised, Kal almost tackled him to the floor, but soon realized there was novelty in the house, and came straight for you. You were smarter this time, already kneeling and petting him pretty much everywhere as he wouldn’t stand still.
***
Dinner was nice once Kal allowed you two to do anything. The restaurant was timely as usual, and the food was amazing.
You made him swear not to open the bottle you had bought at the castle because it should be opened only for a special occasion.
“Love, to me this is a very special occasion.” he said, looking into your eyes.
You were speechless at that, and he wondered if it all had been too much.
Whisking you away like that, the lingering stares, holding your hand. All day long he had been so nervous about how you’d take the whole idea, and holding your hand grounded and calmed him.
You never protested it, but he didn’t really read a warm welcome from you. It was as if you wanted it, but didn’t at the same time.
After you both put away the dishes, despite his insistence that you didn’t have to do any of that, he took you to the deck overlooking the garden, where he was finally able to sit back, relax and look at the stars. Having you by his side was a bonus he was delighted to have earned.
He brought the coins for you to exchange and put them next to your wine glasses.
“So, Mr. Cavill let’s see what memorable words you’ve gifted me.” you said to him, with a mischievous grin.
He let you see your coin first.
“Life before Death. Strength before Weakness. Journey before Destination.” you read aloud, and looked at him with wide eyes.
“It’s from a book I love, and these are words I live by. I wanted to share them with you.” he said, gauging your reaction.
He was showing his most nerdy side, and in hindsight, that wasn’t the best way to impress a woman.
“They’re very wise words to live by. I loved it. What’s the symbol?” you asked, intrigued by the intricate crest.
“Well, I figured, since you get my motto, you might as well get my crest. That’s my family crest.” blushing, he smiled at your quick intake of breath. “See, like my ring.”
“I’m…” you paused and swallowed, looking from him to the coin and back at him again, apparently trying to find the right word. “I’m honored Henry. Truly.”
He nodded, and averted his eyes from your scrutiny, taking a sip from his wine.
“Now it’s my turn!” he said, putting his glass down and lightening the mood.
“Well, I hope you like it.” you said, and it was your turn to be shy.
“Oh, that’s unfair, mine was in English!” he exclaimed as he examined his coin, laughing.
You laughed along, shaking your head.
“It means ‘In darkness, light.’” you said, your laughter turning into a small smile. “It is my motto.”
He nodded.
“Thank you.” he said solemnly, watching you lounge back on the chair admiring your coin.
He reclined as well, running his thumb over the engraved words.
“Stay.” he said quietly, after you both had remained in silence for a while.
“What was that?” you asked, turning your head to look at him.
“Stay. In Slovenia, I mean.” He repeated. “If your flight is non-refundable, I’ll pay for your flight back, but stay. Please.”
He wondered if this was the last straw, if he had finally pushed you too far and it would end before it had the chance to begin. Again.
“Henry, I…” you started, but stopped mid-sentence.
“Please. I want to give us a try.” he said, as he sat up, leaning closer to you, but trying not to invade your space.
You sat up too, and sighed deeply.
“You, uh… are you sure?” you asked and bit your lip; the fear in your voice was something he never thought he’d hear directed at him.
“I am. I am sure that I want to be with you. I am sure that I’ve already fallen for you.” you gasped at his confession, but in for a penny, in for a pound.
He couldn’t really read you, you hid your feelings a little too well when it came to your heart.
“Say something, please.” he pleaded, with a small smile.
You scooted forward until you were very close to him.
Your hands, warmer than his because of the blanket he had wrapped you in, closed around his and squeezed lightly.
He looked at your joined hands, thinking of the silky skin he had had the privilege to touch throughout the day. Were you going to let him down gently?
One of your hands untangled from his to place a featherlight touch to his cheek, brushing slowly down to his chin, and lift his head and his gaze toward yours.
“I want to give us a try, too.” you whispered. “I trust you.”
Your whispered words gave his heart a start, but you didn’t give him much time to recover sealing your lips over his.
It was everything and nothing like he had dreamed about.
The softness and power contrasted starkly, vying for his attention while those lips molded around his own, caressing and dragging, making him forget to breathe.
He could taste the wine on your lips, and the touch of your tongue on his sent shivers up and down his spine.
It had been so long since anyone had made him feel anything remotely close to this.
Your tongues danced in synchronized movements and, at some point, teeth were invited to play as well.
He didn’t know how long you two kissed for, time did not seem to matter anymore.
When you finally came up for air, he continued kissing the corners of your mouth. He couldn’t stop, you were like a balm for his sore soul that he didn’t know he needed.
He chuckled and you frowned.
“What?” you said, apprehensive.
“No, nothing. Just…” he didn’t finish, and he could tell this was not going well.
“Just what?” you asked, pulling away to look at him.
"Kissing you. It satisfied my curiosity." he said calmly with a smile.
You frowned.
"Didn't satisfy mine." you said seriously, still frowning.
An awkward silence descended over you two. The look on your face told him you probably misunderstood, the hurt evident in the downward curve of your lips.
"Wait, what do you think I meant by that?" he was wrecking his brains trying to figure out how exactly you could have misinterpreted what he said.
"I don't know, what exactly did you mean?" you replied, and he was right about you being hurt.
"I meant that I’ve been dreaming of what kissing you felt like. Now I know. What did you mean?" he earnestly confessed, all humor gone.
Staring deeply into his eyes, you said nothing for a while. Then you let out a deep sigh.
"I meant I could keep kissing you all night." you finally said, your tone slightly dreamy.
He opened a smile, as your words put him at ease.
“I’ll see what I can do about that.” he said, and grazed the skin of your neck with his hand until he was cradling your head on one side. You leaned into his touch, warming him inside.
“So, you’re staying?” he half asked, needing to be sure.
“Yes. I’m staying.” you replied, putting your hands on both sides of his face and kissing him again.
Henry thought about the way you said that.
Yes.
He hoped it would be the first of many.
